Climate and monthly weather forecastBethel, AK
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Bethel
Bethel, Alaska located in the United states endures a subarctic climate, as indicated by its Dfc Köppen climate classification. This climate type is synonymous with harsh winters, no dry season, and relatively cool summers. Throughout the year, the region's weather is very dynamic, ranging from extended hours of daylight to remarkably chilly temperatures.Going by the available climatological data, Bethel experiences changes in various weather parameters. The daytime high-temperature fluctuates from a minimal 12.2°F (-11°C) in January, ascending to a peak of 62.4°F (16.9°C) in July. Correspondingly, the nighttime low ranges from a very cold 3.7°F (-15.7°C) in January to a milder 49.6°F (9.8°C) in July, signifying the wide temperature variation within a year.
Rainfall distribution is fairly even over the twelve months, with July being the wettest month, receiving approximately 2.09" (53mm) of rain. Snowfall, however, is predominantly prevalent from November to March with January recording the highest amounts at 4.96" (126mm). The area is also characterized by high humidity levels, mostly exceeding the 65% mark year-round and peaking at 91% in January, February, and March.
The best time to visit Bethel
Considered by many Bethel residents and visitors alike, summer - specifically June to August- tends to be the most convenient time to visit. The weather during these months is relatively dry, with temperatures ascending to a friendly 62.1°F (16.7°C) to 62.4°F (16.9°C). Correspondingly, daylight hours are longest, averaging between 18.2 hours to 19 hours, providing ample time to explore the beautiful landscapes of Bethel.The worst time to visit Bethel
Winter months, specifically December through February, could be reasonably challenging for visitors. Temperatures during this period tend to be exceedingly low, dropping to as little as 3.7°F (-15.7°C), potentially imbuing discomfort even for the hardiest of visitors. Snowfall is also considerably heavy, thus possibly limiting outdoor activities. The region also experiences shorter daylight hours during these months, averaging between 5.8 hours to 6.7 hours.Spring weather in Bethel
Spring in Bethel, which takes place from March to May, witnesses an upward shift in temperatures from a high of 20.1°F (-6.6°C) in March to 51.6°F (10.9°C) in May, and lows escalating from 8.4°F (-13.1°C) to 37.9°F (3.3°C). The area records rainfall ranging from 0.94" (24mm) to 1.14" (29mm) and snowfall reducing to zero towards the end of spring in May. Humidity levels are relatively high, typically hovering around 85% in March to 68% at the end of spring.Summer weather in Bethel
Summer rolls into Bethel from June up until August, and days majorly consist of comfortable temperatures, ranging from highs between 62.1°F (16.7°C) and 62.4°F (16.9°C) and lows from 47.1°F (8.4°C) to 49.6°F (9.8°C). Rainfall steadily ascends to peak at 2.09" (53mm) in August, whereas snowfall is non-existent within this span. Humidity is relatively lower, hovering around 65% to 76% coupled with a substantial 19 hours of daylight in June.Autumn weather in Bethel
In the autumn months of September to November, daily high temperatures deteriorate from a pleasant 52.5°F (11.4°C) in September to a bitter cold 23.2°F (-4.9°C) in November. Correspondingly, lows decline from 41.5°F (5.3°C) down to 16.2°F (-8.8°C). Rainfall is reasonably steady at approximately 1.85" (47mm) in September and 1.54" (39mm) in November, and snowfall recommences in October with November recording 3.19" (81mm).Winter weather in Bethel
Bethel's winter period, which spans December through February, mostly treats the inhabitants and visitors to a harsh blend of freezing temperatures, with highs of 16.7°F (-8.5°C) in December to 12.2°F (-11°C) in January, and lows plunging to 7.9°F (-13.4°C) in December and 3.7°F (-15.7°C) in January. This season also observes the highest snowfall rates, with 3.5" (89mm) in December and 4.96" (126mm) in January. Humidity remains consistently high, averaging 90% in both December and February.Weather in January
January bears the brunt of winter in Bethel, Alaska, with snow frequently gracing the landscape. Temperatures fall to their lowest point of the year, with average readings fluctuating from 12.2°F (-11°C) to 3.7°F (-15.7°C). Weather in January »Weather in February
February shows a slight upturn in temperatures, as the Bethel weather system prepares for the spring transition. Snowfall inches increase to 4.96" (126mm), adding more depth to the winter wonderland effect across the region. An increase in daylight hours to 9.1 hours indicates the impending transition to longer days. Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals the beginning of the glacial thaw, as temperatures show a gradual increase. A lesser snowfall of 3.86" (98mm) indicates a diminishing presence of winter, paving the way for spring. The daylight window broadens to almost 12 hours, casting a beautiful play of light on the melting snow. Weather in March »Weather in April
April brings a respite from the frigid months, as temperatures start to soar, ranging from 35.1°F (1.7°C) to 23.7°F (-4.6°C). The snow melts away substantially, with snowfall reduced to 2.09" (53mm), heralding the onset of spring. Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks the full arrival of spring in Bethel, with noticeable warming in temperatures. Rainfall increases to 1.14" (29mm), nourishing the terrain leading to a bloom in the local flora. The balance of light and temperate weather creates a pleasing ambience all around. Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings sizzling weather to Bethel, marking the onset of the summer season. Average temperatures edge towards the warm season's peak of 62.1°F (16.7°C) to 47.1°F (8.4°C). The longest daylight hours of the year are recorded, extending up to 19 hours. Weather in June »Weather in July
July is the warmest month in Bethel with temperatures soaring to the year's top at 62.4°F (16.9°C). The rainfall inches increase to their highest at 1.73" (44mm) contributing to the lush greenery. It's the perfect time for outdoor barbecues and picnics under the sun. Weather in July »Weather in August
August sees slight cooling, with temperatures dropping from July’s peak to between 59.9°F (15.5°C) to 47.8°F (8.8°C). Increased cloud cover and highest rainfall of the year, 2.09" (53mm), ensures the lushness continues. While sunshine hours start to decrease, they are still ample for outdoor activities. Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings an end to the warm summer days, with temperatures decreasing considerably. With a decrease in rainfall to 1.85" (47mm), the surroundings start to dry and prepare for the upcoming cold. Daylight time decreases significantly, indicating the approaching end of summer. Weather in September »Weather in October
October triggers a steep decline in temperatures, heralding the dominant, cold weather. Instances of snowfall return, amounting up to 1.26" (32mm), blanketing Bethel in a nascent layer of winter white. The transition to colder temperatures begins to manifest in the landscape, with bare trees dominating the view. Weather in October »Weather in November
November plunges Bethel into a winter whirl, with temperatures spiraling downwards to an average of 23.2°F (-4.9°C). Increased snowfall of 3.19" (81mm) contributes to transforming the city into a winter wonderland. The cloudy skies, short daylight, and biting winds mark the onset of the harsh winter months. Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings the year to a close on a cold note, with freezing temperatures testing the endurance of those in Bethel. Snowfall increases to its highest annual at 3.5" (89mm), turning the city into a winter paradise. The frigid weather encourages indoor activities, further fostering the season's festive spirit. Weather in December »Updated: Aug 7, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
With an average high-temperature of 12.2°F (-11°C) and an average low-temperature of 3.7°F (-15.7°C), January is the coldest month.
The months with the highest humidity are January through March, with an average relative humidity of 91%.
January and April are months with the least rain when the rain falls for 5.5 days and typically aggregates up to 0.91" (23mm) of rain.
Throughout the year, there are 129.5 rainfall days, and 16.46" (418mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
Months with snowfall are January through May, September through December.
In Bethel, during the entire year, snow falls for 74.8 days and aggregates up to 22.91" (582mm) of snow.
February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 12.1 days and accumulates 4.96" (126mm) of snow.
The months with the lowest UV index are February, March and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from AKST to AKDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from AKDT to AKST.
May has the most sunshine of the year in Bethel, with an average of 8.1h of sunshine.
The months with the highest UV index are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 3.
June is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 65%.
In Bethel, snow does not fall in June through August.
With an average of 19h and 0min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.
The month of July sees the average highest temperatures, reaching 62.4°F (16.9°C) at the peak and 49.6°F (9.8°C) at the low.
August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 19.7 days and accumulates 2.09" (53mm) of precipitation.
December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 5h and 48min of daylight.
December has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 2.7h of sunshine.
Average temperature
Bethel, AK
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (62.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (12.2°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (49.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (3.7°F).
Average pressure
Bethel, AK
- Average pressure in January:
29.71"Hg - Average pressure in February:
29.79"Hg - Average pressure in March:
29.83"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.79"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.89"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.87"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.92"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.83"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.72"Hg - Average pressure in October:
29.65"Hg - Average pressure in November:
29.7"Hg - Average pressure in December:
29.64"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (29.92"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is December (29.64"Hg).
Average wind speed
Bethel, AK
- Average wind speed in January:
12.7mph - Average wind speed in February:
12.3mph - Average wind speed in March:
10.6mph - Average wind speed in April:
9.8mph - Average wind speed in May:
9.3mph - Average wind speed in June:
8.6mph
- Average wind speed in July:
8.5mph - Average wind speed in August:
9.3mph - Average wind speed in September:
9.9mph - Average wind speed in October:
11.6mph - Average wind speed in November:
12mph - Average wind speed in December:
12.1mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (12.7mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (8.5mph).
Average humidity
Bethel, AK
The months with the highest relative humidity are January, February and March (91%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (65%).
Average rainfall
Bethel, AK
- Average rainfall in January:
0.91" - Average rainfall in February:
1.42" - Average rainfall in March:
0.94" - Average rainfall in April:
0.91" - Average rainfall in May:
1.14" - Average rainfall in June:
1.1"
- Average rainfall in July:
1.73" - Average rainfall in August:
2.09" - Average rainfall in September:
1.85" - Average rainfall in October:
1.69" - Average rainfall in November:
1.54" - Average rainfall in December:
1.14"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (2.09").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January and April (0.91").
Average rainfall days
Bethel, AK
- Average rainfall days in January:
5.5 days - Average rainfall days in February:
4.7 days - Average rainfall days in March:
4.4 days - Average rainfall days in April:
8 days - Average rainfall days in May:
13.7 days - Average rainfall days in June:
13.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
18 days - Average rainfall days in August:
19.7 days - Average rainfall days in September:
15.5 days - Average rainfall days in October:
13.7 days - Average rainfall days in November:
7.4 days - Average rainfall days in December:
5.6 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (19.7 days).
The month with the least rainy days is March (4.4 days).
Average snowfall
Bethel, AK
- Average snowfall in January:
3.66" - Average snowfall in February:
4.96" - Average snowfall in March:
3.86" - Average snowfall in April:
2.09" - Average snowfall in May:
0.35" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is February (4.96").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").
Average snowfall days
Bethel, AK
- Average snowfall days in January:
11.1 days - Average snowfall days in February:
12.1 days - Average snowfall days in March:
11.2 days - Average snowfall days in April:
8 days - Average snowfall days in May:
2.7 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0.7 days - Average snowfall days in October:
4.7 days - Average snowfall days in November:
11.5 days - Average snowfall days in December:
12.8 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (12.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Bethel, AK
- Average daylight in January:
6h and 42min - Average daylight in February:
9h and 6min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 54min - Average daylight in April:
14h and 48min - Average daylight in May:
17h and 24min - Average daylight in June:
19h and 0min
- Average daylight in July:
18h and 12min - Average daylight in August:
15h and 36min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 48min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
7h and 18min - Average daylight in December:
5h and 48min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 19h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 5h and 48min).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 0min - Average sunshine in February:
3h and 36min - Average sunshine in March:
4h and 54min - Average sunshine in April:
5h and 42min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 6min - Average sunshine in June:
7h and 54min
- Average sunshine in July:
5h and 48min - Average sunshine in August:
5h and 36min - Average sunshine in September:
4h and 48min - Average sunshine in October:
5h and 0min - Average sunshine in November:
2h and 48min - Average sunshine in December:
2h and 42min
The month with the most sunshine is May (Average sunshine: 8h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 2h and 42min).
Average sunshine days
Bethel, AK
- Average sunshine days in January:
16.3 days - Average sunshine days in February:
12.2 days - Average sunshine days in March:
17.5 days - Average sunshine days in April:
13.8 days - Average sunshine days in May:
14.1 days - Average sunshine days in June:
13.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
10 days - Average sunshine days in August:
8.6 days - Average sunshine days in September:
12.3 days - Average sunshine days in October:
14.7 days - Average sunshine days in November:
14.2 days - Average sunshine days in December:
14.5 days
The month with the most sunshine days is March (17.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (8.6 days).
Average UV index
Bethel, AK
The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 3).
The months with the lowest UV index are February, March and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Bethel, AK
The months with the most cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 67).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 54).
Average visibility
Bethel, AK
The months with the highest visibility are May, June, July, August, September, October and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April and November (5mi).
